In case there are still a few souls out there who are not in the know, minimalism is a movement that now extends to many aspect of life, including lifestyle, home décor and of course, the most prominent aspect – fashion.
Impersonal austerity, anti-figurative forms and accessibility are ‘the makers’ of minimalism.
Now, there was a moment there when after seeing the Spring lines presented during Fashion Month, when we thought minimalism will drown under the amount of maximalism, athleisure, diamond-encrusted footwear, ruffles, and even rubber. Luckily, we were wrong.
Minimalism is still alive and thriving, so let’s look into the key factors that contributed to this fortunate turn of events.
1) The financial convenience
The number of millennials is already far greater than that of Baby Boomers, and they are slowly becoming the most coveted young talent in the corporate world.
Still, one can’t disregard the fact that with education come student loans, and that these new young professionals are going through great struggles trying to pay off their debt. This is why minimalism makes perfect economic sense.
By building minimalist and even capsule wardrobes, millennials are in fact, saving money.
Yes, the supreme-tailoring and high-quality fabrics that go into creating a minimalistic clothing item come at a cost, but in the long run, minimalists end up spending a whole lot less than every other ‘fashion group’.
They invest in clothing wisely, they are calculated and strategic.
Interestingly enough, they are put together better than many others who cumulatively spend a great deal more. If you add the digital proficiency, a nose for discounts and a preference for experiences over material goods into the equations, millennial minimalists come out swinging.
2) The green factor
Another trait generally associated with this generation is greenness. They believe in sustainability, preservation of the planet and ethical practices. As such, they realize that piling up and cluttering can only lead to decluttering, which in turn leads to more waste on the landfills.
So, what do they do? Not only do they shop less and create curated wardrobes, but they also shop responsibly.
According to a Nielsen global online study, members of this generation are the most willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings.
You get timeless elegance instead of short-lived trendy items, and due to the sheer quality, you get to wear your clothes a whole lot longer. Minimalism isn’t only convenient, it is actually the responsible route to take, and people continue to acknowledge this.
3) The wow factor
We are yet to find a fashion minimalist who doesn’t look amazing every time they step out of their home. This is because all minimalistic garments are in cahoots. They’ve made a secret pact to always get along and never clash.
Ok, clothes can’t talk, but the point is true. They go for the unmistakable classy and classic beige, navy, black, white and grey hues, and they know how to wear camel, especially when accessorizing.
They know this ultimately neutral and chic hue works wonders in the accessories department – a camel bag and ankle boots are, for instance, a fool-proof combo.
The small number of hues in their chosen palette makes it easy to create impeccably chic outfits without a hitch, every single time.
The fabrics go well together, the design and cuts also, so there is no chance of making a fashion mistake.
A minimal lover never ceases to dazzle, and they probably don’t spend more than five minutes deciding on what to wear.
4) Fashion on the run
This brings us to the previously mentioned five-minute rule. When you’re out there trying to make a name for yourself in the business world or busy having a once in a lifetime experience, who has time to sit in front of a wardrobe for half an hour?
Yes, people want to look great but they don’t want to waste entire chunks of their day achieving that.
Minimalism is the opposite of time-consuming, it’s simple and frill-free. It represents every busy person’s dream scenario, which is why so many people are embracing minimalism, not only in fashion, but as a way of life.
5) There is more to life
Make no mistake about it, consumerism is alive and kicking. Still, according to recent findings, millennials have proven to be one of the most advertisement-resilient generations.
They simply don’t buy into ads, and are not likely to purchase a product after seeing a billboard, a commercial or receiving an ad mail.
They realize that there is more to life than mindless shopping, and this is probably something everyone else could stand to realize.
When you bring fewer clothing items into your life, it sparks something, this marks the beginning of a change. Gradually you start seeing the world and coming to a realization that there is more to life than owning a bunch of things.
When you reach this place, you will be completely liberated, so start with your wardrobe and see where that takes you.
FAQs
What is minimalist fashion?
Minimalist fashion is a style approach focused on simplicity, functionality, and a pared-down aesthetic. It emphasizes clean lines, neutral colors, and high-quality pieces that are versatile and timeless. The goal is to create a streamlined wardrobe that reflects sustainability and intentionality, reducing clutter and focusing on essentials.
Why is minimalist fashion becoming popular?
Minimalist fashion is gaining popularity for several reasons. It challenges the fast fashion industry by promoting quality over quantity, encourages more sustainable consumption habits, and offers a way to declutter and simplify life. Additionally, its timeless appeal makes it a practical choice for those looking to invest in pieces that will last for years.
Are minimalist fashion and sustainable fashion the same?
While minimalist fashion and sustainable fashion share similarities, particularly in their emphasis on reducing waste and prioritizing quality, they are not the same. Minimalist fashion focuses on the aesthetic and practical aspects of a pared-down wardrobe, while sustainable fashion centers on the environmental and ethical implications of clothing production and consumption. However, many who pursue minimalist fashion also adopt sustainable practices.
What are the key pieces in a minimalist wardrobe?
Key pieces in a minimalist wardrobe typically include a well-fitting pair of jeans, a classic white tee, a tailored blazer, a little black dress, comfortable and stylish flats, a versatile handbag, and a high-quality coat. These basics can be combined in various ways to create a range of looks.
